Custos of St Catherine Reverend Jeffrey McKenzie, has awarded bursaries of $550,000 to 24 top Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) students from the parish, with each receiving $25,000.

Speaking at a presentation ceremony at Phillippo Baptist Church in Spanish Town on Wednesday, the custos praised the efforts of parents and teachers in helping the students to “beat the odds and attain excellence.”

“Examination is never an easy river to cross. It requires determination, diligence, patience, a purpose-driven mind; supportive principals, teachers, parents; and a trust in God. Students, your sacrifice has paid off,” he told the parents, teachers and students.

The custos, who previously honoured the teachers and mothers of the students, said he is hoping to make the ceremony for the students an annual event to help motivate them to give excellent performances.

Meanwhile, regional director in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Dr Nadine Leachman told the students to appreciate the gift by continuing to excel in the education system, as it is the most secured path to a good life.

Thanking the custos for recognising the top-achieving students, Dr Leachman said he is on the right path in encouraging the students to do well.

“What you have done makes the world of difference,” she said.

Student at Guy’s Hill High School, Legecia Angus, told the gathering that the achievements came from sleepless nights in which they devoted and dedicated themselves to schoolwork.

“We are truly grateful for the acknowledgement of our hard work,” she said, adding that Dr Leachman’s words of inspiration, motivation and encouragement have not gone unnoticed.

“Each and every one of us will use them to our advantage,” she said.

Top CSEC student for St Catherine, Damario Patterson, who attends St Jago High School, said he is “blessed and excited” for the custos’s support to education.

“We will use it to propel ourselves to achieve more success,” he said.

For student at McGrath High School, Javoy Thompson, his success came from “self-motivation” and emphasised that every student “must approach education with seriousness”.

— JIS